My sudden, uncontrollable sobbing had Bryan rushing to comfort me, patting my back and mumbling, “What is the matter?” “It’s prostate cancer,” I cried, as the commercial aired, “two out of three men will develop it in their lifetime. You will get prostate cancer, die and leave me.” “Um…,” my husband mumbled, “maybe you should see a doctor.”
I explained my tendency to cry over the smallest things, Carrie Underwood videos, 80’s songs, cute pictures of animals, to my doctor. “You are suffering from depression,” he told me, “you have a history of it.” According to Lifescript, a site dedicated to providing medical information, tips and advice for women with posts that are all written by professional health writers, experts and physicians , women experience depression twice as often as men but many times don’t recognize the symptoms.
I didn’t realize I was depressed. I had suffered deep, soul-shattering depression in the past, when I was barely able to get through the day, and this was different. I was the healthiest I had ever been in my life, exercising constantly, eating healthy and spent several days a week doing activities I enjoyed. What I didn’t realize was depression can also show subtle symptoms; tiredness, irritability, restlessness, anxiety and trouble sleeping.
While I generally tend to write about “lighter” topics, I wanted to share my story because, as I read on Lifescripts, “A depressive disorder is not the same as a blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better.” Many times I have noticed that people tend to be ashamed of being depressed or feel there is a stigma attached to it. I’ve had plenty of friends over the years who complained about another friend or family member. “If they would just think positive thoughts they would feel better,” they would say. When I tried to explain it doesn’t work that way, they would state, “You suffer from depression and you’re fine. You don’t act like that.” What they don’t realize is I have a supportive husband and a doctor who gave me a proper diagnosis and got me started on a treatment program.
I encourage anyone who thinks they might be suffering from depression—or have unexplained symptoms– to read up on the topic at Lifescript and see a doctor. Depression isn’t something you have to live with anymore. It can be treated and you can lead a “normal” life.
This post reflects my personal opinions on a topic that is important to me.
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Thanks for sharing your story. I have had some bouts of depression myself. I’ll have to check out the website.
Thanks for sharing your story. There are so many people that don’t know they are dealing with depression and can get help.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve struggled myself 🙁
I am so happy you shared this. I have just been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and there sure (I know) a depression diagnosis will be soon to follow. Unfortunately I lose my insurance as I had to quit my job it was so bad. So I can’t get help yet.
I have found though that getting online and sharing my story as well as talking to others have kept me from getting way too down, though I have my moments too. It’s something more people need to talk about as I have seen to many who have not gotten the help they need and it’s had horrible effects.
Thanks for sharing your story. I also suffer from bouts of depression from time to time. A lot of people feel as though it is something that is not real. But, in my opinion it is very real.
Pam you are brave to share your story. I hope someone will be encouraged by it. It is sad how depression is sometimes taken so lightly by those who don’t walk the painful path alone.
I have suffered from depression and it isn’t fun, but there is help out there for those that want it!
First of all thank you for sharing your story! It’s a huge step to admitting it. I am still struggling with it and try to make fun of it, but I know that I am suffering from depression. I will check Lifescript out.
This site looks like it gives some good information. I have never suffered from depression but I have a good understanding because I worked in the medical profession for over 35 years. Awareness is so important so thank you for doing a post on this topic.
thanks for sharing this, depression is more common than people think…
Thank you for sharing your story Pam. Let me tell you something…..You’re a really nice and strong soul. God bless you always. This site looks really nice and i am searching content related to arthritis…they are having very helpful information.
Your story is encouraging. Take care
Great post! You are very courageous to talk about your depression! I have also suffered from it for the majority of my life. It is difficult for others to understand if they haven’t experienced it themselves. I love the intro it made me chuckle because I am like that with commercials too.
I can relate bigtime and appreciate you sharing your experiences. We are definitely NOT alone! I am so happy to hear that you have a supportive hubby. That makes a world of difference for sure. Whenever in doubt, know that I am over here probably sobbing at a similar cute animal picture. 😉 hugs!
Thank you for posting this. Mental illnesses definitely have a stigma and it’s a shame people don’t seek help for them because of that. I hope your story inspires others to get treatment so they won’t have to suffer needlessly.
My husband and daughter have depression. It’s such a hard thing to deal with.
This is a GREAT post. While I don’t normally struggle with depression, I know those who do and would love to help and be there for them. I just never know what to say.
Bless you for your courage in sharing your story. So many people are afraid to talk about it because they think it makes them less. It does not. It takes courage and strength to admit you need help. There is no shame in getting help either. Many folks suffer in silence. May you receive the help you need and be free from this illness.
That took a lot to share your personal story and many women who are suffering from the same, will appreciate your openness. So thankful there are treatments out there to help women cope and you had the support needed to get through it.
Thank you for sharing your story. Huge hugs go out to you!
Thank you, Julie!
It took a lot of courage to share your personal experience. My mother has battled with depression for years and it is important to have the support of your family and loved ones when going through such a difficult time.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Depression is just one of many problems that many people don’t realize can be treated with medicine. It is so important to see a doctor for depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and anything bothering you that is preventing you from living your life the way you should.
Thanks for sharing your story! I had PPD which was different, but it was hard to deal with! I am sure this was not easy and I agree, Lifescript is great!
Thank you for sharing, Pam. It’s not easy. But like you I feel like the more of us who do share our stories, perhaps the more chance we have to reach even one person who may not realize
They need help
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m sure it couldn’t have been easy. Each time I have fallen into depression, there were different triggers and my symptoms varied. No wonder so many people don’t realize they are depressed and get the help they need? I recently discovered Lifescript myself and found some really great information.
Thanks for sharing your story. I have also suffered from depression – both severely in the past, and mildly in the more recent years. It’s so important for women to realize that we don’t have to settle – we CAN do something about depression and get help.
((HUGS)) You are a brave woman and I know that you’re being honest with people will help others.
Erika, you are so right! We can do something about depression. I have been surprised by how many people have experienced it. ((Hugs)) to you. I hope you are doing much better now!
Thanks for sharing your story and the resource. I’m sure it can help lots of women.
It’s so true that depression can be insidious and show up with symptoms you don’t necessarily recognize. I’m so glad you had the support you needed to get treatment and thank you for sharing your story.
Depression does seem to have people before they know it and not recognized. I think majority of Americans have experienced this in some form or another and should seek help when it starts affecting their lives.
Thanks for sharing your story and this resource. I went through an awful phase of depression and anxiety at my last job. It took a while to shake the depression. Even though I am no longer there and have moved on, I have to be careful to exercise, eat healthy, and stay positive. My husband is great about bring supportive and understanding too.
Thank you soo much for sharing your story.. it means a lot to me to hear that i’m not the only one and who would have know that you had depression.. WOW… Soo glad that you have a supportive husband and great doctors and you can lead a normal life…
Thanks for sharing this, I have struggled too with bouts of depression at different points of my life. There is not obvious on or off button, so reading up and being aware of the symptoms is so important! So glad you are learning more too and that you shared access to this awesome tool!
Thanks for taking the time to share your story. Depression comes in all shapes and sizes and the more informed we are, the better equipped we will be to make a stand if needed.